Fostering Community and Accountability through Community Practice Hours
In the midst of the COVID pandemic, when our musical community faced unprecedented challenges, innovation became the key to sustaining our love for music and supporting our students. It is with great excitement that I share with you an idea that has brought immense joy and progress to our students at the South Shore Piano School – the concept of "community practice hours."
Inspired by the camaraderie and accountability found in writing groups, we introduced the idea of regular Zoom practice sessions for our students in the midst of COVID 2020. These practice hours provide a unique opportunity for our students to come together virtually, discuss their goals at the top of the hour, practice in unison (with mics muted but cameras on), reflect on their progress together, then reset their goals and get reenergized for the remainder of the session.
The success of this initiative has been astounding. Not only did our students embrace the community practice hour concept, but they also found them to be energizing and inspiring. Imagine the sight of 40-50 students, both kids, and adults, diligently practicing their instruments, each one supporting and motivating the others. This collective effort fostered a sense of belonging and accountability, motivating students to challenge themselves and strive for their personal best.
What started as a response to the challenges posed by COVID has now become an integral part of our teaching approach, even as the pandemic recedes. The practice hours have proven to be a powerful tool for building a vibrant musical community, where students bond, encourage one another, and celebrate their progress together.
As we move forward, let us remember the lessons learned during this extraordinary time. Our ability to adapt and innovate has allowed us to create meaningful experiences that transcend the limitations of physical distance.
I encourage all of you to consider incorporating similar initiatives into your teaching practices. Whether it's virtual practice groups, collaborative projects, or regular check-ins, let us continue to foster a strong sense of community and accountability among our students…even as we bid farewell to the challenges of the past.
Jonathan Roberts